Professional Convention Management Association Gives Back to Chicago Community
January 20, 2015
The Professional Convention Management Association not only brought thousands of convention managers to Chicago for a few days of networking and education last week during its Convening Leaders annual event, but it also gave back to the local community through several programs.
“These programs are one way of expressing our sincere thanks to this tremendous community. After our members leave, we hope these donations will leave a lasting impact on the communities, who need assistance in the Chicagoland area.” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA
Program: Party With A Purpose
Benefits: Future Founders, Network for the Needy® & PCMA Education Foundation
Twelve hundred meeting professionals celebrated for a cause as the proceeds from Party With a Purpose ticket sales help support Future Founders, PCMA’s Network for the Needy® and the PCMA Education Foundation. In its 22nd year, PWAP has raised more than $2 million for a range of notable causes as PCMA leads the meeting industry’s efforts to make a difference in communities around the world.
Program: Hospitality Helping Hands
Benefits: Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago’s food bank)
PCMA’s Hospitality Helping Hands program drew 120 Meeting professionals from around the globe who participated in this program with 100 percent of each participant’s $75 registration fee supporting the Hospitality Helping Hands program.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children’s programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 67 million pounds of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 154,000 meals every day.
Program: Network for the Needy® Donation Drive: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Benefits: kids in crisis with the support and guidance they need to realize their own potential and make positive decisions. Mercy Home offers full time living, activities, mentor programs, AfterCare programs and more.
PCMA attendees can donate new toiletries, school supplies and pre-loaded gift cards at McCormick Place near Convening Leaders registration throughout the week.
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
Add new comment